As LG points out in its press release (below), the Optimus Z is a bit of a departure from their usual design. They mention that "its unique "Z- style" design is more angular than previous LG smartphones, which is certainly true - and I like it. It looks almost Droid-like in appearance.

Anyway, the specs are probably going to be pretty similar to the Optimus One and Optimus Chic, which have already been unveiled for the western market, though that design is definitely a lot more premium than what the other two are offering.

For now, it's only for South Korea, but LG says that it will "be introduced globally" and "more Optimus devices are in the pipeline, including the launch of LG's Android tablet in the fourth quarter of 2010." This is only the second time that LG has publicly acknowledged the presence of their tablet, but we're still lacking details on what it's going to be like. You can probably take a guess based on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab range, however.

With the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon at its core, Optimus Z is being launched with Android OS 2.1 with the option to upgrade to Version 2.2 before the end of the year. Advanced multimedia options include 3.5 inch WVGA "Hyper" HD LCD (800 x 480 pixels), Korea-specific T-DMB mobile TV, 5 MP camera, Dolby Mobile and DivX compatibility. Optimus Z comes with two 1,350mAh batteries, good for hours and hours of talking or entertainment. And at only 11.05 mm thin, Optimus Z and its unique "Z- style" design is more angular than previous LG smartphones and its matte-finish metal gives the Optimus Z a solid, durable feel.

In a first for Korean smartphones, the LG Optimus Z offers On Screen Phone function that lets user display their phone interface on the screen of their PC. Using Bluetooth or a data cable, the interface will appear onscreen, letting users manage the phone's vari- ous functions – including applications and e-mail – on the computer. In addition, any documents, images or music files stored on the PC can be easily transferred to Optimus Z using this interface. Furthermore, Drag & Shake allows LG Optimus Z users to share files between smartphones with a simple shake of the handset, while LG Air Sync lets them constantly sync the phone with their PCs or other mobile digital devices.

The LG Optimus Z comes pre-equipped with more than 100 of the most popular appli- cations in Korea, along with 70 more that are not available in the Android Market. Additional applications may be downloaded through SK Telecom's and KT's respective application stores.

Optimus Z is the third device in LG's Optimus Series family to be introduced globally. More Optimus devices are in the pipeline, including the launch of LG's Android tablet in the fourth quarter of 2010.

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